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Raccoon captured in DeKalb County tests positive for rabies

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Raccoon captured in DeKalb County tests positive for rabies

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A raccoon. Photo obtained via Wikimedia Commons

This story has been updated. 

DeKalb County says a raccoon captured in the 3200 block of Covington Highway in Avondale Estates on Feb. 23 has tested positive for rabies.

A county spokesperson said the raccoon entered a home through a pet door and bit two dogs. Both dogs were vaccinated.

“Rabies is a disease that affects the brain,” the announcement from the county says. “It´s usually passed from animal to animal but can be passed from animals to people. The virus is spread through saliva, usually from a bite of an animal that has the disease.

“Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, residents are advised to watch pets and contact DeKalb County Animal Control if unusual behavior such as excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth occurs. Rabies can be prevented by a vaccine. Residents are responsible for vaccinating pets every year and registering the tag with DeKalb County Animal Control.”

This is the second known confirmed case of rabies in DeKalb within the last six months.

In September, the county announced that a raccoon trapped in the 1700 block of Beverly Woods Court had tested positive for rabies.

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